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Getting hit by another car on the road is always frustrating and upsetting, but even more so when the driver who hits you is uninsured or underinsured. Unfortunately, uninsured/underinsured drivers are common in Missouri, where an estimated 16.4% of motorists do not have auto insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Most people consider themselves to be law-abiding members of society. When this comes to driving, this means we obey the rules of the road, carry the required license and insurance, and if we are involved in a car accident, we stop to ensure everyone’s safety and exchange information with the other driver. However, what happens if the other driver doesn’t take the same steps?

Your basic insurance policy is designed to protect you from liability from injuring others or causing property damage. It does not cover your own medical or other expenses, so you must seek recompense from the at-fault driver.

In 2022, more than 45,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in Missouri. That does not include the more than 960 people who were killed on Missouri roadways. Anyone who has ever been injured in a car accident will probably say the insurance claims process is stressful.

According to statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 146,726 total traffic crashes statewide in 2021, causing 52,100 injuries and 1,016 fatalities. When an accident occurs, injured passengers are usually unsettled and may be confused about what to do or how to recover damages. Nonetheless, the steps you take or fail to take may affect the outcome of your claims as well as the amount of compensation that may be available to you.

Generally, knowing the next steps to take after an accident and what to expect from the claims process can help make your case feel more manageable. An experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can enlighten you about some of the things to expect following a traffic crash in the Show-Me State.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were over 52,000 people who were injured in car crashes in the state in 2021 alone. If this happened to you or someone you love, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation.